CIRCUMSTANCES OF LOSSOn 22 November 1942, units of the Army’s Americal Division and the 8th Marine Regiment began a series of frontal attacks on a string of hills along the north coast of Guadalcanal. Steep ravines, bare ridges, and tenacious Japanese resistance thwarted the Americans, and after 48 hours the operation was called off. Nearly 40 members of the 8th Marines lost their lives in the futile assault.*

One of their number was Private Patrick Quinn, who was reportedly buried in the field on 22 November 1942. The location of his grave is not known, and his remains have not been recovered or identified.

* Note: Official sources and several histories report that the 8th Marines suffered nine fatal casualties. However, this number only accounts for those Marines who were buried in the island cemetery. It excludes fully 29 men who were reported missing in action or buried in the field.

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Articles and Records

The area of operations for the Army and 2/8th Marines from 22-23 November 1942. The “HEAVILY FORTIFIED” hills west of Point Cruz stopped the American advance.

The cost of a few days of campaigning on Guadalcanal, reflected in a single company. Quinn and Lazar lived just a few miles apart back in Scranton. Excerpt from the muster roll of E/2/8th Marines, November 1942.